Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great

849--99, king of Wessex (871--99) and overlord of England, who defeated the Danes and encouraged learning and writing in English

Alfred the Great

Born circa 849; died circa 900. King of Wessex from 871.

Under Alfred the Great, the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were consolidated around Wessex, the army was reorganized, a considerable fleet was built, and a number of fortresses were erected. As a result of the stubborn struggle against the Danes, Alfred the Great acquired authority over southwestern England about 886. The code of law that was compiled under him was the first all-English collection of laws. Making use of earlier Anglo-Saxon laws, Alfred the Great incorporated into them new decrees specifically designed to strengthen the relations of the vassalage and large land-holdings. Under Alfred measures were taken to develop education and culture. The beginning of the compilation of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle is usually attributed to the time of Alfred the Great.

REFERENCES

Plummer, C. The Life and Times of Alfred the Great. Oxford, 1902.Duckett, E. S. Alfred the Great and His England. London, 1957.

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